Which is better, Verizon or AT&T?

Verizon is faster; AT&T is cheaper to start, and Verizon is available to more people. Where both are offered (about 228.9 million people), Verizon has the faster top speed for 58% of homes.

FasterVerizonFaster for 58% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startAT&TFrom $40 a month (promotional), then $55, vs $49.99.

Better ratedToo close to callRated about the same by their customers.

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 249.3 million in 49 states.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (772)
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AT&T
Price: $40.00 - $180.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (994)
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Verizon vs. AT&T at a glance

Measure	Verizon	AT&T
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	249.3 million people in 49 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Fixed wireless 90%, DSL 45%, fiber 30%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$49.99 a month	$40 a month (promotional), then $55
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	3.6 of 5 (1,032 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	3.8 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	3.5 of 5
Where both are offered	About 228.9 million people (92% of AT&T's area); Verizon is faster for 58% of them, the same top speed for 0.9%

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Verizon and AT&T are available

Verizon and AT&T have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, AT&T serves 252,920,477 residents in 40,799 cities and 2,919 counties in 49 states, with a presence in population centers such as Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; and Dallas, TX.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Verizon, AT&T or both are offered at your home.

Verizon vs. AT&T Speeds and Technology

Verizon and AT&T utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, AT&T offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,352 Mbps compared to Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, AT&T’s top-tier Fiber is available to 29.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. AT&T Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Verizon and AT&T, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Verizon vs. AT&T Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Verizon and AT&T based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.77 / 5 stars from 802 customer reviews, while AT&T maintains a 3.65 / 5 rating from 1032 reviews. Verizon outperforms AT&T by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.88 / 5 stars, compared to AT&T’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.87 / 5 stars.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Verizon vs. AT&T Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "the robust performance and stability make it well worth the investment"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

AT&T

From 593 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 236 of 593 written reviews (122 call it slow). "they are the best in network speed"
• Reliable connection: praised in 211 of 593 written reviews (98 report outages). "They are very reliable and accountable"
• Good value: praised in 157 of 593 written reviews (107 call it overpriced). "overall, it's been worth it for the quality"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 64 of 593 written reviews; its starting price rises from $40 to $55 after the promotion. "my rates increased dramatically"
• Equipment problems: a complaint in 34 of 593 written reviews (15 praise the equipment). "issues with our Wifi connection not being strong enough"
• Weak or patchy service: a complaint in 33 of 593 written reviews (24 praise the signal). "connectivity issues, especially when it rains"

Verizon vs. AT&T Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while AT&T is available in 40,799 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.